WoF in partnership with emergency services institutions assembled in Heidelberg Stadium East of Johannesburg to mark the International Day for Disaster Reduction.

Community Fire Awareness Officer, Lerato Mokwena, in Gauteng Province said that, ‘‘As Working on Fire programme we participate in operations that mitigate the risks and disasters in our communities.’’

‘‘It’s through the fire breaks, blocks burns, prescribes burns and fire awareness education before and during the fire season that we help to reduce risks,’’ said Lerato.

Lerato also explained that the programme has about 18 teams deployed at various municipal fire stations and nature reserves across the province.

‘‘The community members shall know what to do during an event of fire and floods and people need education to prevent disasters,’’ said Lerato. She said the purpose of the event was to raise serious awareness amongst the members of our communities about reduction of natural disasters.

Fire Chief for Heidelberg Fire Station, Albert Masinga, said that he was quite pleased because his peers from other stations left their busy schedule to attend this important event in a quest to save the lives of fellow human beings.

He said that because young people attended the event, it means that the message has gotten through to the right people. All the fire stations from across Gauteng Province attended the event.